Marmot Meadows via Harding Icefield Trail

Marmot Meadows is a 3-mile out-and-back on the lower Harding Icefield Trail, climbing from the trail register to an open meadow above Exit Glacier. It’s a shorter taste of Harding than the full icefield hike, but it’s not a casual stroll: the route gains about 1,250 feet in roughly 1.5 miles. Allow about three to four hours, including a break at the meadow. The distance starts at the Harding trail register; the walk from the parking area to the register is extra.

The route climbs steadily through forest on a steep, winding trail. A small bridge crosses the stream roughly three-quarters of a mile up. As you approach the meadow, the forest opens and you can look down over Exit Glacier, with a hanging glacier and waterfalls on the surrounding mountains. The climb is the price of the view; if you want an easy glacier stop, stay with the short lower-area paths instead.

The marked meadow is about 1.5 miles from the register; retrace the same trail for the full three miles. Harding continues beyond it to Top of the Cliffs and then toward the icefield, but those are longer hikes and aren’t part of this route. It’s easy to keep climbing once the views open up, so decide on the meadow turnaround before setting out.

Start from the Exit Glacier area parking lot beside the Nature Center and follow the paved access path to the Harding Icefield Trail register. Restrooms and a picnic area are at the developed area; there’s no water or restroom on the trail. Parking is limited in summer, especially around the middle of the day. Exit Glacier Road closes to cars in winter and much of spring, and snow can linger high on Harding into mid-summer, so check access and trail conditions before you go. Pets aren’t allowed on park trails. Bears frequent the area, and bear spray is recommended.